Ponder with Pamela

Tag: dailylife

  • Facing Embarrassment: A Day of Errands with My Daughter

    Facing Embarrassment: A Day of Errands with My Daughter

    June 20, 2025

    Today was an errand day, and I’m so grateful my daughter came along with me. There’s something about having company that makes all those necessary but tedious tasks feel so much more manageable.

    I got up, did my morning routine, and my daughter and I both took a shower before we headed out. We had a list of places to hit, and everything was going smoothly until I got to the first store and my card kept getting declined. Talk about embarrassing. I was standing there at the register while the cashier tries it multiple times, other customers waiting behind me, that familiar heat creeping up my neck.

    I had to make the walk of shame back to my car to call the bank and figure out what was going on. Turns out it was just a security hold, easily fixed, but in the moment it felt mortifying. At least my daughter was there to roll her eyes and remind me that these things happen to everyone.

    Once I got the card issue sorted, I went back in and completed my purchase like nothing had happened. That’s the thing about embarrassing moments. They feel huge when you’re in them, but they pass.

    When we got home, my daughter helped me get the trash and recycling out, and then we put away all our purchases together. Those little moments of teamwork always make me appreciate having her around, especially on days when my energy needs to be carefully managed.

    Errands accomplished, embarrassment survived, and grateful for good company through it all. 💜

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Finding Balance: From Work to Home Tasks

    Finding Balance: From Work to Home Tasks

    June 19, 2025

    What a difference a day makes! After the struggle with focus and that overwhelming feeling, today felt like everything clicked back into place.

    I got through my morning routine and only worked for about an hour, but then something shifted. Instead of forcing myself to sit at the desk, I decided to tackle the housework that’s been staring at me for at least a week.

    My daughter and I turned it into a team effort. She Swiffered the bathroom floor while I cleaned the rest, then vacuumed downstairs while I took care of upstairs. I finished up by Swiffering the kitchen and dining room floors. When we were done, the whole house felt fresh and organized.

    There’s something so satisfying about crossing those nagging tasks off the mental list. I felt incredibly productive, not because I worked long hours, but because I finally addressed the things that had been weighing on me in the background.

    It’s funny how housework often becomes the casualty when everything else demands attention. I get so preoccupied with work deadlines and health management that cleaning slides to the bottom of the priority list. Or some days I’m simply too exhausted to even think about scrubbing toilets or mopping floors.

    But today reminded me that sometimes shifting gears completely, from mental work to physical tasks, is exactly what I needed. And having my daughter pitch in made it feel less like a chore and more like accomplishing something together.

    Days like this feel like a reset button. 💜

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Navigating Down Days: Finding Clarity Through Rest

    Navigating Down Days: Finding Clarity Through Rest

    June 16, 2025

    Today was one of those days that felt like swimming upstream from the moment I woke up.

    My brain just couldn’t settle into focus mode. Every time I tried to concentrate on something, my thoughts would scatter like leaves in the wind. I kept fighting it, pushing harder, trying to force my way through the fog. But the harder I pushed, the more scattered I became.

    By afternoon, that familiar tightness started creeping into my chest. The panic was building, that overwhelming feeling when your body and mind are both rebelling against what you’re trying to accomplish. I finally had to stop fighting and listen to what my body was telling me.

    So I gave up. I took a nap. And honestly, it was probably the smartest thing I did all day.

    I didn’t get much accomplished today, and that’s hard to accept. There’s always that voice that whispers about lost time, about falling behind, about not being productive enough. But some days, the most productive thing you can do is rest when your system is overwhelmed.

    Tomorrow is a fresh start. Maybe my brain will be clearer, maybe the focus will come easier. Or maybe it won’t, and I’ll have to adapt again. Either way, I’ll show up and see what the day brings.

    Hopefully tomorrow will be better. 💜

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Tai Chi and Remote Work: Finding Balance in Rainy Weather

    Tai Chi and Remote Work: Finding Balance in Rainy Weather

    June 14, 2025

    Sometimes a good day doesn’t mean everything goes perfectly; it just means you show up anyway.

    Today was one of those rainy days that seems to settle into your bones, and my knees definitely felt it. That familiar ache that reminds you your body has its own weather system. But I still rolled through my morning routine, and when it came time for exercise, I chose Tai Chi instead of my usual workout.

    There’s something about Tai Chi on days when your joints are protesting. Those slow, flowing movements that work with your body instead of demanding things from it. It felt like exactly what I needed.

    I managed a full day of work for RWS, and even had an afternoon meeting. It’s such a gift to work for a company that actually gets remote work. They provide so much helpful information and support for their remote employees. Not everyone understands that working from home doesn’t mean working in isolation, especially when you’re managing health stuff alongside everything else.

    Days like today remind me that “good” doesn’t have to mean pain-free or perfect. Sometimes it just means adapting, showing up, and appreciating the support systems that make it all possible.

    The rain is still coming down, but I’m calling today a win. 💜

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Finding Your Ideal Morning Routine

    Finding Your Ideal Morning Routine

    June 12, 2025

    Another morning routine, another chance to see if yesterday’s approach would hold up. Turns out, it did.

    I had the opportunity to tackle some more RWS tasks today, and I stuck with the same broken-up schedule I tried yesterday. Weaving work time with movement and little household moments. Two days in a row now, and it’s feeling less like an experiment and more like something that might actually stick.

    There’s something really satisfying about finding a rhythm that feels both productive and sustainable. Not that frantic, overwhelming kind of productive where you’re racing against your own energy levels, but the kind where you’re working with your body instead of against it.

    I’m starting to trust this pattern. Morning routine, work, movement, household task, back to work, repeat. It’s like my day has a gentle pulse to it instead of that all-or-nothing approach I used to default to.

    It’s only been two days, but I’m cautiously optimistic. Sometimes the best changes are the ones that don’t feel like huge overhauls – they just feel like finally listening to what was already working.

    Here’s hoping this rhythm keeps carrying me forward. 💜

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • How Working from Home Enhances Mental Health

    How Working from Home Enhances Mental Health

    June 10, 2025

    Today was a good day, boring, but good. And honestly? I’m learning to really appreciate boring good days when you’re managing chronic illness. Boring means no crisis, no flares, no unexpected challenges. Boring can be beautiful.

    Morning Routine Success

    I enjoyed my morning routine, which continues to set such a positive foundation for everything that follows. The consistency is becoming automatic now, and I can feel how much my body and mind have come to depend on this gentle, nurturing start to each day.

    There’s something deeply satisfying about having a routine that actually serves you rather than feeling like another obligation to check off a list.

    Professional Development Progress

    I spent most of the day continuing my onboarding at RWS, which consisted of watching training videos, reading policies, and taking tests on all the information they’ve provided. It’s methodical work, but I’m making steady progress.

    I still have one more section to complete tomorrow, and then I’ll be finished with the onboarding process and hopefully getting to actually start doing some real work. There’s anticipation building around transitioning from preparation to actual productivity.

    The Gift of Working from Home

    Today was a beautiful, sunny day, and I absolutely love that I can sit at my dining room table, look outside, and feel the fresh breeze coming through the windows while I work. This is such a dramatically better work environment than being stuck in a stuffy office or trapped on a production floor with no windows.

    The mental health benefits of working from home can’t be overstated, especially when you’re managing chronic conditions. Being able to control your environment, including the lighting, air flow, noise level, and seating arrangement, makes a difference in how your body feels throughout the day.

    Natural Light and Well-Being

    Having access to natural light and fresh air while working feels like a luxury, but it’s actually essential for my well-being. The sunshine streaming in helps with my ongoing battle against Seasonal Affective Disorder, and the breeze keeps the space from feeling stagnant.

    When you spend years working in windowless environments or offices where you can’t control the temperature or air quality, the simple pleasure of fresh air becomes something you never take for granted again.

    Appreciating the Mundane

    There’s something to be said for pleasantly uneventful days. No drama, no health crises, no major obstacles, just steady progress on necessary tasks while feeling physically comfortable and mentally calm.

    When you live with chronic illness, you learn that boring days are actually precious. They’re the days when your body cooperates, your energy is steady, and you can simply focus on moving forward without having to manage symptoms or navigate unexpected challenges.

    Building Sustainable Work Life

    This combination of working from home, having flexible scheduling, and being able to maintain my morning self-care routines feels like the foundation for a sustainable work life that actually supports my health rather than undermining it.

    Tomorrow I’ll finish the onboarding and hopefully start the actual work. But today’s “boring” progress feels like exactly what I need, which is steady, manageable, and peaceful.

    Here’s to more boring good days and the appreciation that comes from knowing how valuable they really are! 💜

    Sometimes the most beautiful days are the unremarkable ones where everything just works quietly and smoothly in the background.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Transform Your Morning Routine: Tips for Daily Success

    Transform Your Morning Routine: Tips for Daily Success

    June 6, 2025

    Today was actually not a bad day despite the cloudy skies hanging overhead. We had some rain early this morning, but it’s just been overcast since then. Which is much more manageable than the stormy weather I was bracing for.

    Morning Routine Evolution

    I got my daily routine completed, even with the exciting new additions I’ve made. I decided to expand my morning rhythm by adding journaling and meditation, and I’m absolutely loving how it’s all coming together.

    My new morning flow feels like the perfect way to start each day:

    • 30 minutes of reading and coffee (my original grounding ritual)
    • 10 minutes of journaling (new addition for mental clarity)
    • Today’s exercise: Tai Chi (gentle, flowing movement)
    • Then: settling into work mode

    I really love starting my day this way now. There’s something so intentional and nurturing about giving myself this comprehensive morning self-care routine. Each element serves a different purpose. The reading feeds my mind, journaling clears mental clutter, and the exercise prepares my body for the day ahead.

    Exciting Job News!

    The best part of today: I got a job with RWS! After all those applications, testing, and qualifications, something finally came through. I spent a good portion of the day getting everything set up for this new opportunity.

    It’s only a part-time position, but it’s a steady paycheck every two weeks. It’s definitely better than nothing, and I’m still looking.

    It feels so good to have forward momentum on the career front, especially knowing that I’ve been building sustainable routines that will support me in managing work alongside my chronic conditions.

    Productive Day Management

    After handling all the job setup requirements, I worked through my email backlog. Having that organized morning routine actually made the transition into work tasks feel smoother and more manageable.

    The combination of feeling mentally clear from journaling and physically prepared from Tai Chi seems to be setting me up for better focus and energy throughout the workday.

    Evening Appreciation

    Now it’s almost dinner time, and my awesome husband is making cheeseburger pasta. Which is absolutely amazing, and I honestly can’t wait! There’s something so perfect about ending a productive, positive day with comfort food made by someone who loves you.

    Having a partner who handles most of the cooking makes such a difference when you’re managing chronic illness and building new work routines. It’s one less thing to worry about and one more way to feel supported.

    Building on Success

    Five days into this expanded morning routine and I can already see how much it’s enhancing my overall well-being. The consistency is becoming automatic, and even on cloudier weather days like today, I’m maintaining better energy and mood stability.

    Adding the journaling and meditation feels like the missing pieces that make everything else work even better. Here’s to sustainable routines, new opportunities, and supportive partners who make amazing comfort food! 💜

    Sometimes the best days aren’t defined by perfect weather, but by personal growth, new opportunities, and the love that surrounds you at home.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Building Resilience: Exercise and Routine in Pain

    Building Resilience: Exercise and Routine in Pain

    June 5, 2025

    Rain and clouds brought some familiar pain along with them today, just as predicted. It’s remarkable how accurately my body can forecast weather changes – sometimes I feel like a human barometer when those pressure drops hit.

    Persistence Despite the Weather

    Even though I was definitely feeling the weather shift with increased pain and fatigue, I still got up and completed my daily routine and strength training this morning. That felt like a real victory, especially knowing how easy it would have been to skip it when my body was already protesting.

    Four days into this exercise routine and I’m learning that consistency matters even more on the difficult days. Maybe especially on the difficult days. The movement didn’t magically erase the weather-related symptoms, but it did provide some counterbalance to the stiffness and discomfort.

    Professional Development on a Pain Day

    The rest of my day was spent working on testing and qualifications for various job positions. Trying to focus and perform well on assessments when you’re dealing with increased pain and brain fog adds an extra layer of challenge to an already stressful process.

    But I pushed through and completed what I needed to do. Sometimes that’s what chronic illness management looks like. Showing up and doing what needs to be done even when your body isn’t cooperating fully.

    The Weather Reality Check

    This wasn’t a bad day, but it definitely wasn’t as good as the amazing few days I’ve had recently. The contrast is striking. Just yesterday, I was walking three blocks and feeling energized, and today the simple act of concentrating on work tasks felt more challenging.

    I definitely felt the change in weather with that familiar combination of minor pain increases and subtle fatigue. It’s a reminder that progress with chronic illness isn’t always linear, and external factors like weather will always be part of the equation.

    Building Resilience Through Routine

    What I’m proud of is that even on a weather-affected day, I maintained my new routines. The exercise happened. The work got done. I adapted to how I was feeling without abandoning my commitments to myself.

    This is exactly why building sustainable habits matters, because they carry you through the harder days when motivation alone wouldn’t be enough.

    Tomorrow’s Forecast

    The weather is supposed to continue being stormy through Monday, so I’m mentally preparing for some more challenging days. But I’m also feeling confident that I have tools now. The exercise routine, better planning, and realistic expectations. With these tools I will navigate weather-related flares more successfully.

    Here’s to maintaining momentum even when the skies are gray. 💜

    Progress isn’t measured only on the good days – sometimes it’s most evident in how you show up when conditions aren’t ideal.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Sleepy Sunday

    Sleepy Sunday

    May 11, 2025

    Today was all about relaxing after a busy and emotionally draining week. I spent time watching our favorite shows with my daughter and cuddling with my fur babies.

    🐾 This is Diesel, but we call him Deezy. He’s part Lab and part Pitt, and he’s my old man. I’ve had him since he was 9 months old, and he just turned 13. These days, he spends most of his time sleeping and has trouble with stairs, but he still manages to play with his little sister Zoey.

    🐾 And this is Zoey. She’s mostly pittie. We adopted her when she was about 9 months old, too, and she’s almost 4 now. Zoey is pure joy and absolutely loves her cuddles. When we first brought her home, she needed to sleep under a blanket and pressed up against one of us, either me, my husband, or our daughter. She still likes to sleep under a blanket at night, but during the day she’ll nap just about anywhere.

    As you can see, they took full advantage of “Sleepy Sunday.” 💤 Around here, that means naps and rest, not just to recover from the past week, but to recharge for the one ahead.

    I hope you’ve had a chance to recharge today too.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜